MOLECULE

hexadecanol-1

Cetyl alcohol, also known as 1-hexadecanol and palmityl alcohol, is a solid organic compound and a member of the alcohol class of compounds. Its chemical formula is CH3(CH2)15OH. At room temperature, Cetyl alcohol takes the form of a waxy white solid or flakes. It belongs to the group of fatty alcohols. With the demise of commercial whaling, cetyl alcohol is no longer primarily produced from whale oil, but instead either as an end-product of the petroleum industry or produced from vegetable oils such as palm oil and coconut oil. Production of cetyl alcohol from palm oil gives rise to one of its alternative names, palmityl alcohol. 1-Hexadecanol is a very hydrophobic molecule, practically insoluble in water, and relatively neutral. 1-Hexadecanol is one of the simple alcohols found in cannabis (PMID: 6991645). It has a waxy or oily aroma and a “clean cloth” waxy or oily taste. It is used in the food and cosmetic industry as an emollient, an emulsifying agent, a foam boosting agent, a masking agent, a surfactant, a viscosity controlling agent and a pacifying agent. Hexadecanol is found in, or is added to, shampoos, conditioners, toothpaste, inks, paints, pharmaceuticals, skin creams and lotions. It is also added to certain hard candies and frozen treats. People who suffer from eczema can be sensitive to hexadecanol as it is sometimes included in medications used for the treatment of eczema (PMID: 15059111). Cetyl alcohol is also found in cannabis smoke and is volatilized during the combustion of cannabis (https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-947-9_2).